Starting with a walk through the streets of Wahroonga, this walk then heads bush, following the Gibberagong Track to Bobbin Head. After a picnic or a bite to eat from the kiosk, the walk then heads up the Birrawanna track to lead to Apple Tree Bay. From here the track follows the picturesque Cowan Creek for a while before heading up the ridge to Mt Kuring-gai Station.
(open in app)
Cross sectional view of the Wahroonga to Mt Kuring-gai bushwalking track
Analysis and summary of the altitude variation on the Wahroonga to Mt Kuring-gai bushwalking track
Overview of this walks Grading - Based on the AS 2156.1 - 2001
These details are new. This new feature still requires more testing and refining. Please use the 'Walker Feedback' for report specific issues. Please e-mail Matt if you have any general comments. Hope you find it helpful.
Under this standard, a walk is graded based on the most difficult section of the walk.
Length
15km
Time
5 hrs 30 mins
.
Grade 4/6
Track: Hard
AS 2156.1
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Quality of track
Formed track, with some branches and other obstacles (3/6)
Signs
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Storms may impact on navigation and safety (3/6)
Infrastructure
Limited facilities, not all cliffs are fenced (3/6)
*This summary of grading information is new and still in testing
Some more detail of this walks Grading
Here is a bit more details explaining the grading looking at sections of the walk. Gradient
7km of this walk has gentle hills with occasional steps and another 4.5km is flat with no steps. Whilst another 3km is very steep and the remaining 230m has short steep hills.
Quality of track
8km of this walk follows a formed track, with some branches and other obstacles and another 4.3km follows a smooth and hardened path. The remaining (2.3km) follows a clear and well formed track or trail.
Signs
Around 8km of this walk is clearly signposted, whilst the remaining 7km has directional signs at most intersection.
Experience Required
Around 8km of this walk requires no previous bushwalking experience, whilst the remaining 7km requires some bushwalking experience.
Weather
Around 11km of this walk is not usually affected by severe weather events (that would unexpectedly impact safety and navigation), whilst the remaining 4km is affected by storms that may impact your navigation and safety.
Infrastructure
Around 8km of this walk is close to useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats), whilst the remaining 6km has limited facilities (such as not all cliffs fenced).
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(0 km)
Wahroonga Railway Station
to
End of Grosvenor St Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 2.93 km
Time = 50 mins
Climb = 32 m
Descent = -53 m
From Wahroonga Station, this walk heads north along Illoura Av, away from the round-about. The walk soon crosses Millewa Ave at the pedestrian crossing, then passes alongside Wahroonga Park (to the left). At the end of the park, the walk turns right into Stuart St (at the round-about) then left onto Cleveland St at the next roundabout. At the end of Cleveland St, the walk turns right onto Burns Road then immediately left onto Grosvenor St. The walk then follows Grosvenor St for approximately 2km to the end, where there is a green gate at the start of a management trail.
(2.93 km)
End of Grosvenor Rd
to
Gibberagong Track Lookout Int. Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 118 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 3 m
Descent = -4 m
Continue straight: From the very end of Grosvenor Rd[1] (Wahroonga), this walk follows the management trail gently downhill around the locked green metal gate[2] and past the 'No through road' sign[3]. The trail leads through a dip among a scribly gum forest for just over 100m to an intersection with a track (on your left)
marked with a 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Gibberagon Trail sign[4].
(3.05 km)
Gibberagong Track Lookout Int.
to
End of Gibberagong trail Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 1.24 km
Time = 20 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -22 m
Veer right: From the intersection, this walk follows the NPWS arrow post[5] gently uphill along the wide trail, following the ridge line over a gently rise. After about 350m this walk leads past a small clearing[6] (on your right). Here the walk continue downhill through the scribbly gum forest[7] for another 900m to where the trail bends sharply right[8] (to end) and comes to an intersection with the fairly wide Gibberagon Track[9] (on your left, part way around the bend).
(4.29 km)
End of Gibberagong trail
to
Gibberagong AND Murrua Track Int. Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 799 m
Time = 18 mins
Climb = 7 m
Descent = -103 m
Veer left: From the intersection[10], this walk follows the fairly wide Gibberagong Track[11] north east, gently downhill. The track soon starts to narrow and lead a little steeper down a series of timber steps[12] for about 80m before heading down through a notably steep rocky pass[13]. Here the track continues to winds down the ridge moderately steeply for just shy of 250m, to step down a rock pass around a right hand hair-pin bend[14]. Then just 30m later the track bends sharply left at another hair-pin bend[15] then just shy of 50m later
the track bends sharply right[16] again. From here the track leads down the series of timber and stone steps through then casurina forest[17] for about 200m to come to a 'Bobbin Head' sign[18], just before distinct gully. Here the walk veers left (following the arrow on the sign) and heads down the bank to cross Lovers Jump Creek[19] on the mossy rocks with carved steps[20]. After heading up the other bank this walk follows the clear track near Cockle Creek for just shy of 100m to a more open section providing clearer views over the creek[21] and the southern section of Gibberagong Waterholes. From here the track then leads further down the widening valley through the tall eucalypt and stringy bark forest[22] for 100m to a intersection with a faint track (on your right) at a tall smooth bark angophera[23], marked with an obvious sign pointing back 'To Grosvenor Street'.
(5.09 km)
Int of Gibberagong and Murrua Link Tracks
to
Gibberagong waterhole Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 35 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -2 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, beside the large smooth bark angophera[24], this walk follows the 'To Bobbin Head' sign along the clear track gently downhill, keeping the creek a short distance to your left, for about 20m to pass a section of metal fencing[25] propped up by a tree. The walk continues for another 10m or so to come to a flat area beside[26] the northern end of Gibberagong waterholes[27], this is just before the track crosses a small side creek[28].
Gibberagong waterhole
Alt = 58 m
Gibberagong waterhole is an informal name for a wide section of Cockle Creek that run for over 150m north of the confluence with Lovers Jump creek. This secluded and shady spot is a great place to sit and enjoy the waterholes, cascading water and the view to the sandy banks on the other side. If you sit quietly enough you may see lyrebirds scratching through the bush by the creek.
(5.12 km)
Gibberagong waterhole
to
Int of Bobbin Head and Rainforest tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 3.2 km
Time = 1 hr 9 mins
Climb = 129 m
Descent = -170 m
Continue straight: From beside[29] the northern end of Gibberagong waterholes[30], this walk follow the track along the waters edge, keeping Cockle Creek to your left. After 25m this walk crosses a small side creek[31] them follows the track gently uphill for just shy of 100m to pass a rock platform[32] (on your left), with a good view over this bend in Cockle Creek[33]. The track continues up the side of the hill for another 100m to pass alongside an 2m high natural rock wall[34] then about 120m later this walk leads back down close to the edge of the creek[35]. Just over 120m later the track leads under two tall over hangs[36][37] (the first overhang has a notable hole high in the roof[38]), then just over 100m later the track leads under a set of power lines[39] (a bit tricky to see through the canopy). From here the track continues to gently undulate along the side of the hill, in view of the creek, for just over 1km to come back down to a pleasant, fairly open forest[40] on a sandy bank beside a long pool[41] on Cockle Creek (with a few small cascades upstream[42]). The track continues downstream for another 100m to cross over a mostly but mostly flat rock platform[43] then over the next 200m the track leads up the side of the hill to cross a shallow gully[44] with several tall palms among the mostly tall eucalypt forest[45]. Here the track passes under a two sets of high tension power lines[46]. The track continues to undulate along the side of hill for another 200m to lead down to to the rocky creeks edge again[47], near the upper reaches of the tidal section of the creek[48]. From here the now mostly flat track continues downstream beside the creek for 300m to come to a notably flat and open sandy area with some bracken fern beside the creek[ref img=427709, then 50m later to walk leads along side a tall 150m long natural rock wall[49]. The track then leads alongside the tidal section of Cockle Creek among the mixed forest of casuarina[50], grass trees[51] and tall eucalypt[52] for just shy of 300m to then head through a 200m long section section of mangroves[53] with a scattering of open casuarina forest[54]. Here the rocky track leads up the side of the hill, up a few steps to the top of the ridge line. Just as the track comes to the top of this hill it bends right and comes to a three-way intersection[55], where a 'Wahroonga 5km' sign[56] points back down the track.
(8.32 km)
Int of Bobbin Head and Rainforest tracks
to
Bobbin Head Rainforest Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 194 m
Time = 5 mins
Climb = 15 m
Descent = -7 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Rainforest 500m' sign[57] gently uphill along the clear track heading south east. After about 60m the track starts to lead gently down the side of the hill among the grass tree and eucalypt forest[58] for about 100m before leading down a series of timber steps into the more densely forest gully[59]. Here the walk comes to a sandstone rock bed[60] and creek in a pleasant rainforest setting[61]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Bobbin Head Rainforest
Alt = 22 m
A well-protected piece of rainforest is found just a short walk from the popular Bobbin Head picnic area in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The rainforest is distinct when compared to much of the dry eucalypt forests that dominate the area. The rainforest is beside a small creek, just below Bobbin Head Road, and is a safe haven for many birds that frequent the area.
(8.32 km)
Int of Bobbin Head and Rainforest tracks
to
Aboriginal Axe Grindings Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 21 m
Time =
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -3 m
Turn left: From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Bobbin Head 500m' sign[62], gently downhill following the track along the main ridge line for just shy of 20m to the signposted Aboriginal 'Axe Grinding Grooves' site[63] (which is on a short detour track, on your right).
Aboriginal Axe Grindings
Alt = 11 m
This protected site clearly shows 23 oval-shaped grooves that were worn by Indigenous Australian people, making axe heads from hard rock. Using a blank axe head, the Aboriginal people would use this rock platform, with water from the nearby creek, to sharpen the stone into a useful tool. The rubbing ground the axe head to a sharp edge and left behind these tell-tale signs. More info
(8.35 km)
Aboriginal Axe Grindings
to
South End of Bobbin Head Park Track: Moderate - bushtrack,duckboard,duckboard
Length = 601 m
Time = 13 mins
Climb = 25 m
Descent = -32 m
Continue straight: From the Aboriginal 'Axe Grinding Grooves' site[64] this walk follows the track gently downhill along the ridge, initially keeping the grinding site to your right. After about 20m this walk heads down some sandstone steps[65] the continues for another 60m along the sandy track down more steps[66] then up to the top of a small rise[67] where the is a unfenced[68] view over the water[69] (just off the track to your left). Here the walk continues generally down along the ridge for just shy of 300m where the track leads over a rock platform before heading down some steps that lead through a cleft in the rock[70]. The track then leads past a small sandstone overhang[71] to head down a timber ramp to find a timber boardwalk, marked with a 'More?' sign[72]. Continue straight: From the 'More? you want more?' information sign[73], this walk follows the timber boardwalk as it winds among the mangroves and saltmarsh[74]. Keep an eye out for missing boards[fac=8041] and the lack of side capping on the edge of the boardwalk[fac=8040]. The boardwalk leads
past the 'Land Developers?'[75] and 'Natural Recycler'[76] information signs as it winds for about 100m to a fenced viewing area[77] marked with a 'Teeming with life!' information sign[78]. Continue straight: From the viewing area[79], this walk follows the fenced timber boardwalk keeping the main body of visible water to your right. After about 25m this walk crossed Cockle Creek on a cable-stayed foot bridge[80][fac=8039]. There are some great water and cliff views from the bridge. On the other side the footpath the path bends right to find a sandstone cave (with a 1.9m clearance[81]) with a 'Rock Solid?' information sign[82]. Here the walk continues along the patterned concrete path for about 20m to pass a bench seat[fac=8037], then another 20m there is another similar bench seat[fac=8037]. A short distance later the path leads past the sheltered 'Welcome to the Mangrove Boardwalk & Gibberagong Track' information sign[83] (on your left). This walk then continues along the footpath for another 20m to the car park[84][fac=8033][fac=8034] and a small constructed sandstone wall with a 'Gibberagong Track. Mangrove Boardwalk.' sign[85]. There are a number of picnic tables[fac=8035][fac=8036] beside the car park.
(8.95 km)
South End of Bobbin Head Park
to
Bobbin Head Kiosk Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 506 m
Time = 9 mins
Climb = 10 m
Descent = -5 m
Veer right: From the southern end of the car park, this walk heads away from the face of the 'Gibberagong Track Mangrove Boardwalk' sign[86] following the asphalt footpath[87] beside the car park, keeping the water to your right. After about 100m this walk heads past the signposted 'Canoe Launch Area'[88] then continues along the compacted dirt foreshore path[89] for 100m where the path becomes asphalt again[90] to lead past the children's play ground[91] for just over 50m to the sandstone steps[92] (that provide access to Cockle Creek). The walk continues along the foreshore path for almost 200m until just before the road bridge over Cockle Creek[93], where the now brick paved path bends left[94]. Here the walk crosses the car park entrance[95] and continues straight, over the grass to the back of 'Bobbin Inn' cafe, just beside Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Rd (on your right).
Bobbin Head
Alt = 9 m
Bobbin Head is a historic recreation area which is still popular today, suiting the needs of many people. At the center of the Bobbin Head area is the old 'Bobbin Inn'[96], built in the 1930s - it is now the park information center and cafe[97]. The area is popular with picnickers, boaters, walkers, canoeists, family groups and people who like to fish. Bobbin Head is roughly divided into three sections (north, south and east).
Southern Bobbin Head is a popular picnic area for families and large groups. The area is surrounded by a car park[98] and dotted with picnic tables[99][100], electric BBQs[101], shelters and a large playground[102]. There are toilets[103][fac=8042] nearby, and 'The Station' is a sheltered accessible area with BBQ and tables[104][105] that can be booked NPWS[106].
The northern Bobbin Head (Orchard Park)[107] area is a more formal picnic area. There is a large picnic shelter[108], surrounded by 14 smaller octagonal shelters[109], each of these divided into 4 walled-off compartments, ideal for small groups.
The eastern side of Bobbin Head is dominated by the Empire Marina[110] and a public wharf. The marina is home to a nice restaurant[111] and public toilets[112].
Bobbin Inn Cafe
Alt = 16 m
At the centre of Bobbin Head picnic area, in the old 'Bobbin Inn' building[113], is a cafe offering inside and outdoor dining[114], and a range of foods and drinks. Food includes fish and chips, wraps, focaccia, sandwiches and snack foods. Tea, coffee and cold drinks are also on offer. Opening hours are 9 - 4pm Mon to Fri (closed Tuesdays) & 9 - 5pm weekends. For more information, phone the cafe on 9457 7170.
The NPWS Bobbin Head Information Centre is open 7 days a week (closed Christmas Day) 10 - 4pm (closed 12 - 12:30pm lunch).
Ramp access[115][116] available on the southwestern corner of the building. Ramp access to the information centre through the cafe.
(9.45 km)
Bobbin Inn Cafe
to
Bottom of the Birrawana track steps Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 155 m
Time = 4 mins
Climb = 30 m
Descent = 0 m
Continue straight: From the 'Bobbin Inn' cafe[117], this walk heads to the front of the building to the 'Information Centre' main entrance. From here this walk follows the 'Birrawana Loop Track'[118] alongside the road a few meters to find a metal 'Welcome to the Cockle Creek Lookout Track' sign and map[119]. Now the walk follows the track behind the safety barrier (keeping the road to your right) for about 70m to cross a small culverted creek[120] and pass a few old a couple of picnic tables[121] in a shaded and mossy gully. This walk continues for another 30m behind the safety barrier[122] to come to the bottom of the signposted 'Birrawanna Track'[123] steps.
(9.61 km)
Int of Birrawana track and Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road
to
Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 299 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 38 m
Descent = -10 m
Veer left: From beside Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road[124], this walk heads down a few steps to cross a small flat concrete bridge[125], to then follow the 'Birrawanna Track' sign[126] up the timber steps. This walk leads quite steeply up the track as it zig-zags up a series of timber and rock steps[127][128] for just over 300m to find the top of small rocky ridge[129]. Here the walk leads down a series of timber steps[130] for about 50m to cross a moist gully[131] that is home to a disused telegraph pole[132]. Now this walk follows the clear rocky track leads uphill[133] for just shy of 200m to come to a faint intersection at the top of the ridge[134] (where the lookout track is on your right).
(9.91 km)
Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks
to
Cockle Creek Lookout Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 112 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -15 m
Turn right: From the intersection, this walk follows the rocky track, east along the top of the ridgeline towards the rocky outcrop[135]. After about 50m this walk passes through a gap between two large rock outcrops[136], then around another rock to wind gently down the hill for just shy of 50m to come to an unfenced rock ledge overlooking Cockle Creek[137]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Cockle Creek Lookout
Alt = 54 m
Cockle Creek Lookout is an informal lookout with no facilities, on the Birrawanna track in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park. The lookout provides Glimpses of Cockle and Cowan Creeks. The area is surrounded by some beautiful gum trees and rock boulders, making it a nice place to sit and reflect on the surroundings.
(9.91 km)
Int of Birrawana and Cockle Creek Lookout tracks
to
National Parks Regional Office Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 418 m
Time = 10 mins
Climb = 26 m
Descent = -27 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads north gently down hill for a few meters to follow an NPWS arrow post[138] along the clear track. After just shy of 100m this track bends left[139] to then gently undulate along the side of the hill (with the road down to your right)[140] for about 300m. Here the track mostly flattens out and contours around the side of the hill[141] for about 150m to then lead up a very gently hill to a signposted three way intersection. The intersection is beside a small clearing behind the regional office (on your right) and is marked with a 'Cockle Creek Lookout' and 'Bobbin Head' sign[142] pointing back along the track. Veer right: From the intersection, the walk head gently uphill across the grassy clearing[143], veering left a little to head across the car park and come the the driveway entrance[144] of the sandstone National Parks Regional Office building.
NPWS North Sydney Regional Office
Alt = 68 m
The NPWS North Sydney Regional Office is a lovely stone building on Bobbin Head Road at one of the trackheads for Birrawanna loop track. There is a car park and an open grassy area. On the opposite side of the road is the Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area with a few picnic tables. Other than this, there are no public facilities.
(10.32 km)
National Parks Regional Office
to
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area Walk: Easy - bushtrack
Length = 42 m
Time = 1 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -3 m
Veer right: From the the NPWS Regional office, this walk heads out of the car park and crosses Ku-Ring-Gai Chase Road, veering right to find a small clearing on the other side[145]. From the clearing, the walk heads down some stone steps to almost immediately come to an intersession marked with an 'Apple Tree Flat' sign[146] just beside the picnic area[147].
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
Alt = 63 m
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area is opposite the NPWS North Sydney Regional office on Bobbin Head Rd, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park. The small picnic area should not be confused with the more popular Apple Tree Bay Picnic Area and boat ramp further down the hill. The picnic area provides three bench platforms for sitting and dining. There is also a small, open grassy area and some large trees providing shade.
(10.37 km)
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
to
Apple Tree Flat Lookout Optional sidetrip: Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 67 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads behind the 'Apple Tree Flat' sign[148] to follow the flat gravel path, past the picnic tables[149]. After about 30m this walk heads down a few stone steps[150] then just 30m later the path comes to a to the fenced Lookout[151] and views[152] over Cowan Creek. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then turn right to continue along this walk.)
Apple Tree Flat Lookout
Alt = 52 m
Apple Tree Flat Lookout is a small fenced lookout high up the hill overlooking Apple Tree Bay and Cowan creek. The view is filtered through the tall gum trees. Being perched on a rock platform, the views are great. The lookout is not far from Bobbin Head Rd, near the NPWS North Sydney Regional Office, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
(10.37 km)
Apple Tree Flat Picnic Area
to
Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Apple Tree Flat bushtrack. Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 229 m
Time = 7 mins
Climb = 1 m
Descent = -60 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'Apple Tree Bay' sign[153] downhill along the clear track. The track soon bends left then after 30m veers right at a faint intersection to follow the 'HH' AND NPWS arrow post further downhill[154]. The track the winds down the side of a gully[155] for about 200m to pass through a sharp left hand hair pin bend[156]. Here the walk continues downhill for just over 30m to an intersection with the sealed Apple Tree Bay road[157] where a 'Regional Office' sign points back up the hill[158].
(10.6 km)
Int of Apple Tree Bay Road and Harbour to Hawkesbury Track
to
Apple Tree Bay Kiosk Path: Easy - Wheelchair accessible - road
Length = 173 m
Time = 3 mins
Climb = 4 m
Descent = -3 m
Turn left: From the intersection at the bottom of the signposted 'Regional Office' track[159], this walk follows the sealed road gently downhill keeping the water and main valley to your right. After about 30m the road leads past a footpath (to a small gated marina[160], on your right) to continue down the road for 150m to the Apple Tree Bay car park[161]. Just across from the entrance this walk comes to a Kiosk and 'Welcome to Apple Tree Bay' sign[162].
Apple Tree Bay
Alt = 8 m
Apple Tree Bay, in Ku-Ring-Gai Chase national park, has a popular boat ramp for accessing Cowan creek and plenty of parking. The area has kiosk, electric BBQ's, picnic benches, toilets, drinking water, garbage facilities, and shade provided by trees. If you are after a quiet spot, head to the western end (away from the boat ramp, past the BBQ's), just beyond the car park, to a lovely clearing by the water. The area is closed between sunset and sunrise.
The kiosk/cafe[163] is open on weekend and services hot and cold drinks, ice creams and some hot food.
(10.77 km)
Apple Tree Bay
to
Int of Mt Kuring-gai and Berowra Tracks Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 936 m
Time = 26 mins
Climb = 82 m
Descent = -66 m
Turn right: From the kiosk[164], this walk heads across the eastern end of the car park[165], keeping the water to your right for just shy of 100m to pass the top of the boat ramp[166] and find the sheltered 'Information' sign[167]. Here the walk crosses Apple Tree Creek on the timber bridge[168] to find a small clearing and picnic area where this walk turns right following the 'Berowra Track' sign[169]. The walk soon leaves the metal fence and follows the rocky track and stone steps[170] for about 100m where the track then mostly flattens out[171] for another 100m to cross a small rock gully and grove of sassafras[172]. The track then crosses another gully and continues along the shore for just over 200m leaving the Apple Tree Bay where the track veers left over a small rise using some timber steps[173]. From here this walk continues along the shoreline in a similar manor for 300m to come to a constructed stone wall[174] and series of disused stone steps (on your left)[175]. This is the site of the historic Woodnutts Boatshed[176] that was built in 1910. The rusting water tank and a few other relics remain[177].
Here the walk continues along the clear track along the shoreline for another 40m to the intersection at the bottom of the signposted 'Mt Ku-ring-gai Track'[178] (on your left).
(11.7 km)
Int of Mt Kuring-gai and Berowra Tracks
to
Int of Lookout and Mt Kuring-gai Tracks Track: Hard - bushtrack
Length = 1.93 km
Time = 49 mins
Climb = 190 m
Descent = -13 m
Turn left : From the intersection, this walk follows the 'MT Ku-ring-gai Track' sign[179] up the rock and timber steps and past the small overhang[180]. The track leads fairly steeply up for 80m to then bend sharply right[181] and continue fairly steeply for another 200m to pass a natural rock wall[182] (on your left). Just 20m past this wall the track comes to a small flat area[183] with good views over Cowan Creek[184]. Here the walk continues more gently uphill along the rocky ridge line[185] for 300m where the track completely flattens out to pass along the side of a small hill[186] (on your left). Over the next 600m the track leads down across a saddle then up along the ridge to bend right onto[187] an exposed rock platform[188]. From there the sandy track soon bends left again to follow the ridge uphill for 100m to pass a small sandstone overhang[189] then continue up a long set of stone steps[190] where the sandy track mostly flattens out again[191]. Soon the track starts heading up more stone steps [192] for about 400m to pass between a large boulder (on your left) and along rock wall (on your right)[193]. At the end of this rock wall the track bends right and leads up the stone steps through the cleft in the rock[194] where the then mostly flat wide sandy track leads gently uphill for 250m to find a three-way intersection[195]
marked with a NPWS arrow post[196].
(13.64 km)
Int of viewpoint and Mt Kuring-gai Tracks
to
Apple Tree Bay Viewpoint Optional sidetrip: Track: Moderate - bushtrack
Length = 107 m
Time = 2 mins
Climb = 0 m
Descent = -14 m
Turn left : From the intersection, the walk heads east away from the main trail[197] to follow the wide sandy track gently downhill. The track begins to narrow[198] and after about 100m the now rocky track comes to an unfenced rock platform[199] with good views down over Apple Tree Bay and down along Cowan Creek valley[200]. (Retrace your steps back to the main track, then veer left to continue along this walk.)
Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track Lookout
Alt = 188 m
This informal, unfenced lookout is perched on some rocks, not far from the Mt Ku-Ring-Gai Track. It provides views across the valley to Cowan Creek and over much of Ku-Ring-Gai Chase National Park.
(13.64 km)
Int of Lookout and Mt Kuringai Tracks
to
Corner of Harwood Avenue and Young Street Walk: Easy - servicetrail
Length = 653 m
Time = 11 mins
Climb = 5 m
Descent = -12 m
Continue straight: From the intersection, this walk heads away from the face of the face of the NPWS arrow post[201] to head south west over a small rise and along the sandy management trail. The trail passes through open wooded forest for just over 600m to pass a 'Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park - Mt Kuring gai Track' sign[202] as the trail bends right where this walk heads around the green metal National Park gate[203]. Here the walk heads past a few houses to find the intersection of 'Harwood Ave' and 'Young St'[204] (Mt Kuring-gai).
(14.29 km)
Corner of Harwood Avenue and Young Street
to
Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station Walk: Easy - footpath
Length = 402 m
Time = 8 mins
Climb = 19 m
Descent = -1 m
Continue straight: From the corner of Harwood Avenue and Young Street, this walk follows Harwood Ave downhill along the footpath. The footpath then leads up past a 'Seaview St'[205] and across 'Low St'[206] to continue to the end of Harwood Ave to find a footbridge[207]. Here the walk crosses the the F3 freeway using the caged foot bridge[208] to head down the steps into a concrete tunnel[209]. Part way through the tunnel this walk comes to an intersection at the bottom of the steps at Mt Kuring-gai Railway Station. Here there is a sign that points back to 'Mt Ku-ring-gai Walking Track'[210]
Fire Danger This walk passes Greater Sydney Region fire area which currently has a LOW MODERATE rating and No fire ban in place. (Tomorrow the Fire Danger Rating is LOW MODERATE, No fire ban.) (Downloaded 8 years ago) Please Note: Each park may have its own fire ban, this rating is only valid for today and is based on information from the RFS Please check the RFS Website for more information.
Berowra Valley National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page Following the Berowra Creek the Berowra Valley National Park is located on the Hornsby Plateau and is made up of typical Hawkesbury Sandstone. The great North walk, Benowie walking track, and many other great walks stretch spann this park. The area has varied vegetation including many different sorts of Eucalyptus and plenty of native animals, includingl swamp wallibies, water dragons, bandicoots, Lyre Birds, and bush turkeys. There are several campsites within the Park, and Crosslands Reserve is also a popular spot near the middle of the park. Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCamping Current Park Closure information for Berowra Valley National Park Closure information last downloaded Sunday 27th of September 2015 07:00 AM Safety alerts: Quarry trail and Benowie walking track restricted access Access restrictions are in place along trails that traverse the land managed by the Hornsby Rifle Range. Restricted areas include:
an 800m section of trail, 2km in from the Quarry Road entrance at Dural
an 800m section of trail, 300m in from the Stewart Avenue entrance at Hornsby
a 750m section of the Benowie walking track between Steele Bridge and Fishponds Waterholes.
Shooting times are between 9am and 4.30pm, 7 days a week. All visitors wishing to access the restricted sections of trail during these times must request prior authorisation by contacting the Hornsby Rifle Range on their 24 hour contact number 0417 201 606. Consult the map on Page vii of the Berowra Valley National Park Draft Plan of Management to plan alternative routes during these hours. Visit the website for further information about the Hornsby Rifle Range.
Ku-ring-gai Chase National ParkLink to official closures and fire bans page A largely untouched wilderness on the northern boundary of Sydney, Ku-ring-gai Chase NP is one of Australia's oldest national parks. Here at the head of the Hawkesbury River, you'll find Aboriginal engravings and sites, as well as sandstone escarpments, Region: Sydney & Surrounds Park feesCampingFacilities I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
Lovers Jump Creek Reserve Lovers Jump Creek Reserve is a large bushland reserve owned and managed by Ku-ring-gai council. The reserve in in North Wahroonga and is bound by Ku-ring-gai Chase National park in the north, Bobbin head road, Grosvenor St, and the southern tip reaches Burns Rd. The park is home to Lovers Jump creek and to many bush tracks and service trails. Region: I am not aware of any closures in this park at the moment.
We did this in September in beautiful clear spring weather.
At the start of the walk at Wahroonga where the scrub is fairly open we saw wallabies grazing next to the paths. Further along down in the valley the bush changed into lush green rainforest. There we saw breeding pairs of lyre birds and bush turkeys. Water dragons lay on the rocks by the creek soaking up the sun. Before long we were at Bobbin Head and making our way up to Mt Kuring gai. Stunning walk, lots of varied vegetation, well worth doing.
Joan - Brilliant
IP:149.135.147.xxx | 2012-09-16 07:07:41
Hi,I just finished this walk.Stunning,easy to reach by public transport, and a Mix of terrain. The best part was seeing my first echidna in the wild.
admin - re: Brilliant
Super Administrator | 2012-09-16 22:23:11
Joan wrote:
.....The best part was seeing my first echidna in the wild.
Hi Joan
Thanks for the feedback.
Sounds like you had a great time, nice walk hey :). Glad you met an echidna - what a wonderful experaince.
Happy walking
Matt :)
Ferdinand
IP:210.0.231.xxx | 2013-04-17 09:27:06
I am new to bushwalking in Sydney. Interested to try Wahroonga to Mt. Ku ring gai station.
Is the trail reasonably well signposted ?
admin - re:
Super Administrator | 2013-04-17 21:34:55
Ferdinand wrote:
I am new to bushwalking in Sydney. Interested to try Wahroonga to Mt. Ku ring gai station.
Is the trail reasonably well signposted ?
Hi Ferdinand
It is a nice walk - fairly well signposted but there a few spots that are not super clear - hopefully the notes and map in the PDF (or iPhone app) would make it easier.
maybe try the Berowra to Mt Ku-ring gai (via Cowan creek) first to get a feel for the area. It is a steep walk in places - good views and easier to navigate.
Matt :)
anna - great walk. highly recommended
IP:124.168.132.xxx | 2015-10-04 08:25:09
a great walk to do. beautiful views, varied terrain, cool by the water, mostly shaded. we took it slow with breaks for lunch and to cool down by dipping our feet in the water... it was a hot day 34 degrees... and we still finished in 5.30 hours. Saw quite a few lizards aling the way and then a death adder on the way up to ku-rin-gai. Pretty cool. A great hike, highly recommended.
Hiking near Sydney 
Track: Hard
1 km
Check out the facilities at 
You can phone 131500 (the transport info line) for up to date running times.
There is free parking available.
not too much longer now :)